Diving and snorkeling with sharks in the Philippines have long been among the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences for underwater enthusiasts. Thanks to the country’s rich biodiversity and warm, crystal-clear waters, you have a unique chance to see whale sharks, reef sharks, and even rare thresher sharks in their natural habitat.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines. In this article, you’ll find out where to swim with whale sharks, what tours and day trips are available, the best time of year to go, important safety guidelines, and other useful tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Where to Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines
The Philippines is home to several unique spots where you can swim with sharks, including the largest of them all — the majestic whale shark. One of the most ethical and well-known destinations is Donsol in the province of Sorsogon. For a more touristy experience with a near-guaranteed sighting, head to Oslob on Cebu Island. Divers may also want to explore locations like Malapascua — famous for thresher sharks — or the Tubbataha Reef, where you can encounter reef sharks and hammerheads.
When it comes specifically to whale sharks, the main hotspots are Oslob and Donsol. While sightings are possible in other parts of the country, they aren’t as predictable and can’t be guaranteed.
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Donsol
Donsol is a small coastal town located in the southern part of Luzon Island. It’s considered one of the best and most ethical places in the world to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines. Unlike many other destinations, whale sharks in Donsol are not lured with bait. Strict regulations are in place to protect the animals — for example, no more than six swimmers and one boat are allowed per shark at any given time.
Whale sharks migrate to Donsol Bay between November and June, with the highest chances of sightings from February to May. Tour prices can be relatively high, and the number of participants is limited. You can check the latest pricing and make a reservation through the link.
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob
Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, located in the southern part of Cebu Island, is one of the most popular tourist activities in the Philippines. In the village of Tan-awan, about 10 kilometers from Oslob’s town center, local fishermen began feeding whale sharks, which led to their regular presence in the coastal waters. This practice allows tourists to swim with whale sharks in Oslob year-round. The best time to go is between November and May.
Tours usually start early, around 5 a.m., when the first groups head out to meet the whale sharks. Several boats depart from the shore — some are operated by those feeding the sharks, while others carry tourists. The boats travel about 150 meters offshore. You can book your tour by following the link.
You’ll find quite a few mixed — and sometimes negative — reviews about visiting this particular location, so it’s up to you to decide whether this experience aligns with what you’re looking for.
If you’re hoping for a more action-packed day, consider booking a private tour that includes not only swimming with whale sharks, but also canyoneering and a visit to the stunning Kawasan Falls. You can find more details and make a reservation here.
Sharks in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha Reef is considered one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines — and in the world. Located about 150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea, this marine sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Coral Triangle, the region with the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area within the inter-island waters of the Sulu Sea.
While whale sharks can be spotted here, their appearances are not guaranteed and tend to be occasional. These gentle giants sometimes migrate through the reef’s waters, especially between March and June, when plankton concentrations are higher. However, the real stars of Tubbataha are the reef sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, and silky sharks — all of which are much more commonly seen.
Thresher Sharks in Malapascua
In the Philippines, you can encounter not only whale sharks but also other fascinating species — like thresher sharks. Malapascua, a small island in the northern part of Cebu province, has gained global fame as the only place in the world where thresher sharks can be reliably seen in their natural habitat. These rare, shy predators with their signature long tails appear daily at dawn at Monad Shoal, an underwater seamount where they come to be cleaned by small fish that remove parasites from their skin.
Thresher sharks are predators, but they pose no threat to humans. Around Malapascua, they often swim close to shore, so there’s even a chance to spot them without joining a tour. However, they are extremely sensitive to noise and movement — so avoid splashing, loud talking, or waving your arms near them.
All dive tours depart early in the morning to catch the sharks at sunrise. Dives typically go to depths of around 20 meters, and the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to May. If you’re a certified diver, you can book a tour — more details and booking options are available through the link.
Sharks Around Palawan Island
Palawan Island is one of the most scenic and environmentally pristine regions in the Philippines, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and exceptional diving opportunities. In its coastal waters, you might encounter tiger sharks, whale sharks, reef sharks, and hammerheads.
However, sightings of whale sharks in this area are unpredictable. Organized tours are only offered when their presence in the bay is confirmed. So if you’re hoping to maximize your chances of swimming with whale sharks, it’s best to consider other destinations where sightings are more reliable.
Guidelines for Swimming with Whale Sharks in the Philippines
While whale sharks are not dangerous to humans, touching them is strictly prohibited. These gentle giants can still be unpredictable — if startled, a single sweep of their massive fin could seriously injure or even kill a person.
Always maintain a safe distance: at least 3 meters from the head and body, and over 4 meters from the tail. The tail, especially when the shark is swimming, poses the greatest risk.
If you decide to capture the moment with a photo, make sure not to use a flash — it can disturb the shark’s natural behavior. When swimming alongside a whale shark, stay beside or behind it, and never block its path.
Approaching too closely can technically result in legal penalties, including jail time — although in reality, this rule is rarely enforced.
In most cases, contact happens accidentally. Unfortunately, many of the fed sharks already show signs of human impact — visible scrapes and scars from boat collisions. This conditioning leads them to associate boats with food, causing them to approach even non-tourist vessels too closely, increasing their risk of injury.
Swimming with whale sharks on Cebu island in the Philippines has gained great popularity since 2011. Large groups of tourists arrive in Oslob daily with the goal to see the whale shark. But the problem is that the location where tourists are brought is not the natural habitat of whale sharks. All of them are hand-fed.
Being hand-fed sharks are losing necessary skills that help them find food on their own. In addition, they don’t receive the necessary amount of nutrients, as during hunting, because they spend up to 6 hours a day feeding in Oslob. And they are fed with one of the krill types, that are bought in large quantities from fishermen to save money. If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet whale sharks in their natural habitat, then go diving in Koh Samui, you can these marine creatures there in March and April.
Whale sharks in the Philippines are endangered and their numbers are in sharp decline. Only in 1998, the shark population began to be protected by the law, as they were exterminated because of their meat and fins.
Dangerous Sharks in the Philippines
You won’t find great white sharks or other highly dangerous species in the Philippines. However, in the northern part of Mindoro Island, there are grey reef sharks. These sharks have sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and can grow up to two or three meters in length. While they don’t typically attack humans, they can become unpredictable if they feel threatened by a diver.
That’s why it’s important to exercise caution when swimming near any type of shark. Never act aggressively toward them. Just because they don’t usually attack people doesn’t mean they never will.
